Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, faces ongoing scrutiny after a United Airlines booking confirmation showing he purchased a ticket for Celeste Rivas listed as an unaccompanied minor aged 12 to 14 on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to London departing September 28 and arriving September 29 has circulated widely. The document lists a total cost of 923 dollars and includes standard notices about unaccompanied minor service requirements for children in that age group on nonstop routes. Prosecutors have presented evidence in court that Burke bought airline tickets for both himself and Rivas on trips that included routes to London during the period of their alleged relationship, which authorities say involved continuous sexual abuse beginning when she was 13.
The preliminary hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court remains in progress as of July 23 2026. Prosecutors are presenting forensic evidence, digital records, purchase histories, and financial details to establish probable cause for charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty and his legal team maintains that the evidence will show he did not cause Rivas death. The multi day hearing, which began earlier this week, is expected to last several days while the judge evaluates whether the case should proceed to full trial.
The plane ticket detail has drawn renewed attention because the viral screenshot shows billing information tied to Burke and a shipping address under the name Victoria Mendez, an alias authorities say he used for other post April 2025 purchases including items linked to body disposal. Court records confirm Rivas and Burke traveled together on multiple occasions while she was alive, with London among the destinations. The specific September 28 to 29 itinerary aligns with a time when Rivas was still alive and within the listed age range for unaccompanied minor service, adding another layer to the documented pattern of contact that prosecutors say spanned years.
The case has moved deliberately since Rivas remains were discovered in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Extensive decomposition required prolonged forensic analysis, DNA matching, and digital extraction from phones, vehicles, and cloud accounts. Grand jury proceedings and sealing of certain medical examiner reports contributed to the timeline. Defense challenges to evidence collection methods and gaps in testing have also extended proceedings, typical in high profile cases involving voluminous digital and physical evidence that must withstand rigorous scrutiny before trial.
Financial testimony during the hearing revealed substantial label payments to Burke in 2025, the year that followed the alleged April killing date. Prosecutors cite these earnings, along with the special circumstance of financial gain, as part of the motive to silence Rivas and protect his career. The combination of travel records, financial flows, and the alleged use of an alias for suspicious purchases forms a key part of the narrative now under judicial review. Public interest remains intense as the hearing continues and more exhibits are introduced in open court.
Readers seeking additional verified information on the charges and timeline can review publicly available summaries through the Los Angeles County District Attorney resources and court records. The case highlights the challenges of investigating relationships involving minors when digital travel and communication trails exist alongside delayed discovery of remains. Updates will continue to emerge as the preliminary hearing advances toward a determination on whether Burke will stand trial.
